Stuart McCall today looked back on a wonderful career with Bradford City and declared: I've been a very lucky man.
McCall signed off in front of an
adoring Valley Parade in yesterday's testimonial game with the other footballing love of his life, Rangers.
And he said: "The people of Bradford have always been superb to me and I'd like to thank everyone at the club and especially the wonderful fans.
"It's been hard over the last few days organising and arranging everything but I tried not to let the testimonial get as emotional as it could have done. I kept it more as a fun day, which was easy with all the characters on the park.
"I've been very fortunate to play for three wonderful teams, including Everton, but Rangers and Bradford have always meant a tremendous amount to me and supporters of both sides have been incredible. I appreciate everything I've had; I've been a very lucky man."
More than 21,000 fans turned up to say goodbye, with around half the crowd
supporting Rangers, whose collection of former players won 4-2 in an exhibition-style match.
McCall said: "When I went out at 2.45pm there was only about 6-7,000 there because most of them were still in the local hostelries! But I'm honoured and privileged that so many people were there to support me."
McCall is held in high esteem north of the border, hence the big names like Ally McCoist and Paul Gascoigne who were keen to appear. Former Ibrox team-mate Jorge Albertz flew in from Germany to play. He said: "Stuart was a fantastic player. He was very gifted and always gave 100 per cent and his heart to whichever club he played for."
Gascoigne, who was possibly playing his last game on English soil as he considers offers to go to America and Dubai, added: "It was a tremendous day and I was delighted to be here for Stuart."
McCall had two spells at Valley Parade as a player but is coy about the possibility of returning as manager.
He said: "I don't know yet what will happen. I just want to savour yesterday and then I'll see what offers are available."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article